Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Varies by state board
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See agency
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Division of Certification • Education Professional Standards Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$64,390 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#21 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of 64,390, School Counselors in Kentucky earn 1% below the national median of $65,140. Kentucky ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$64,390Hourly estimate
$30.961% below national median
Difference: -$750
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#21 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 94,320 |
| #2 | Washington | 83,930 |
| #3 | Alaska | 80,020 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | 78,840 |
| #5 | New Jersey | 77,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
School Counselor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $64,390 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $56,470 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $61,960 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $55,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $67,350 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $59,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $53,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $61,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Division of Certification • Education Professional Standards Board
300 Sower Blvd., 3rd Floor, Frankfort, KY, 40601
Phone: 5025644606
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $57,980 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Librarian | $63,460 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $93,230 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $90,950 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Kentucky?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in Kentucky is 64,390. Salaries range from $39,610 (10th percentile) to $88,090 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
School Counselors in Kentucky earn 1% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of 64,390.
How many School Counselors work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 5,030 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Kentucky from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for School Counselors in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Division of Certification / Education Professional Standards Board. Review agency details at http://www.epsb.ky.gov/.